Whose Outcome Is It?

April 5th, 2019

There is an interesting juxtapose required of a family lawyer. We need to give advice and guidance without taking control.

People instruct family lawyers at a time of crisis. This is often a time where the decision-making part ofa client’sbrain has gone into shock, and at best is impaired, and at worst has shut down completely.

“Outcome” in family law, as in life, is entirely personal to the individual- it is not objective but subjective. So how in a profession so focused on results and a public so focussed on instructing the best (objectively assessed?) do you ensure that someone does not steal your outcome?

Matrimonial law is all about needs - strictly speaking, according to legislation capital and income need. These are quantifiable and therein lies the danger that in the search for solutions an approach is taken that objectively meetsa client’sneeds. Every family lawyer will have had the case where they feel they have done exceptionally well for their client only to find their client not satisfied with the outcome because the ornament was lost. And the case where they feel their client has compromised too much. These feelings are about the lawyers assessing their own worth - your outcome becomes about their success rate.

So how do you stop this happening? Own your outcome. Take advice. Embrace therapy and choice. Be empowered to make decisions about what your life should look like and what your relationship with the co-parent of your children should be. Be kind to yourself and your children. Don’t let your life be dictated by your ex-partner (they may still be in your head long after they have left your house) or those around you. Discuss and take advice and try not to abdicate responsibility.

Talk To One Of Our Legal Experts

01908 262680

Talk To One Of Our Legal Experts

01908 262680

2019 Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts and Middx – South East

Hawkins Family Law fields 'a very professional team that delivers a high-class service and has strength-in-depth from senior to junior level'. Managing director and team head Jo Hawkins provides 'clear and accurate advice and moral support through often testing times for her clients; she focuses on deriving the best long-term outcome for her client and other parties'. The practice has particular strength financial matters, including divorce and ToLATA proceedings. Other key figures include Loraine Davenport, who has strong collaborative law expertise and handles complex children cases and high-net-worth ancillary relief matters; Annabel Hayward, who focuses on complex financial provision and co-habitation matters; and Stacey St Clair.

2019 Family/Matrimonial – Milton Keynes and surrounds

What the team is known for
Boutique family law firm that punches above its weight in terms of high-value and complex matrimonial finance instructions relating to business assets, pensions and substantial property portfolios, including assisting with the handling of assets abroad. Also represents clients in the negotiation of wealth protection agreements and private law childcare arrangements. Fields a team trained in collaborative law and alternative dispute resolution.

Strengths
An impressed client says: "The team's personal service and individual care is a great asset,"adding that the lawyers are "always available to assist and understand the occasional need for immediate advice and guidance, providing a very reassuring service."